What is a mini tummy tuck?

If you feel you really need to do something about the shape and state of your abdomen area, you probably already know what a tummy tuck is and what it can do. And if you know all about tummy tucks, you might also be aware of – and tempted by – a mini tummy tuck. After all, it sounds like a simpler (and possibly cheaper) procedure, and it is.

But there are some things that a mini tummy tuck can’t do – to ensure you’re completely satisfied by your cosmetic surgery experience, it’s essential you choose the procedure that meets your needs best.

What can a mini tummy tuck do… and what can’t it achieve?

Essentially, a mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision and a less comprehensive overhaul of the treated area. The extra skin and fat under the navel is tightened and pulled, without changing the location of the belly button. It’s a quicker operation, involves less downtime, the recovery period is shorter, and – because the incision is smaller – it leaves less scarring.

Now we’ve discussed what a mini tummy tuck does, we need to talk about what it doesn’t do: repair the muscles of your abdominal walls, which have been damaged by the extra weight you’ve been carrying, as well as removing any excess skin located further up the abdomen.

This is very important to note because, after pregnancy or substantial weight gain and loss, previously taut and perfectly-positioned abdominal muscles can loosen and weaken – and sometimes they can even separate from each other. And no matter how active you are in the gym, it’s usually impossible to put ab muscles back to where they belong without a little surgical help.

This aspect of the tummy tuck is just as important as the skin and fat-removal element, and to skip it in order to save money and have a shorter scar could leave you dissatisfied with your results.

Am I a suitable candidate for the mini tummy tuck?

If you have a minimal amount of excess skin and your abdominal wall is still strong, you may be a suitable candidate for the mini tummy tuck. If you’ve undergone pregnancy – or have been carrying excess weight for some time – there is a possibility that your ab walls are not strong enough, and a mini tummy tuck will not do the job you’ll want it to.

Obviously, it can be difficult to work out for yourself how strong (or otherwise) your abdominal muscles are, so it makes sense to book yourself in for a consultation with Mr Anthony MacQuillan. The comprehensive consultation will comprise a full physical assessment but also the opportunity to discuss your goals and aims with an experienced practitioner who can work with you to select and perform the procedure which suits you best. There’s nothing wrong with a mini tummy tuck – and for certain people they can really work – but they’re not for everyone.